Storm and Bench

In case you don't know, we had an ice storm in Texas last week. It was really cold and Austin was shut down for at least two days. I spent the time huddled by the space heater in my studio creating some new necklaces. Today was the first nice day - the sun was out and the temperature was nice. I seized the opportunity to take some pictures of some of my new designs while I was sitting in the backyard watching James throw the ball for our dog, Zaphod.

In case you tried to look at the website this week and couldn't, I am so sorry! Something weird happened with the people who host my website. James, who is a computer smartypants, said it was something the company couldn't help but it sure was frustrating being cut off for so long!

After the storm was over, I purchased and brought home a used jeweler's bench for my metal work. It is already quite worn in so it will probably make a great starter bench for me. I won't worry about messing it up! I am so excited. I couldn't use my other work desk for metal because metal make such a big mess. As my friend Marisa said, it is so nice just to have the things that are crucial to the work. Hopefully this bench will give me a place and inspire me to work on metal more at home! Plus my studio class starts this coming week so I will have lots of new opportunities to focus in on this new (to me) method of jewelry making.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I am back and busy in the studio. My vacation was wonderful and inspiring. In both Paris and London, there is so much beautiful ornamentation on everything, from light posts to old buildings. I also spent some time at flea markets in both cities and bead stores in London. I found so many awe-inspiring new pieces which I really look forward to turning into jewelry in the coming year. Some of the pieces I found will be used in my metal work, if I can get around to it this year! Here are some pictures from the flea markets:

London:

Paris:

And, a little sampling of my new loot:

Great news, I now have a full shelf at Parts and Labour on S. Congress here in Austin. I am so thrilled to have such a great store in which to display my newest designs. I will be able to put out much more jewelry there now. I promise to keep it stocked with fun pieces. If you get by, please email me and let me know what you think!

The Blanton Museum store also has new pieces. This time they chose necklaces, bracelets and earrings in lovely blue hues. It will make for a pretty display.

Hope everyone is doing well with your resolutions!